Israeli Elections: Is India-Israel Partnership Bigger Than Modi-Netanyahu? Relations Beyond Two Leaders' Bonhomie

Israel is voting in the decisive parliamentary elections as the country stands amid a war scenario. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is fighting the polls to get a fourth term in office. It remains crucial for him to win, as his victory will consolidate his power in the country and provide popular support after continued conflicts since the October 7 attack, first in Gaza and then against Iran.

His close rival is Gadi Eisenkot of Yashar party. While the polls are indeed crucial for Israel, India is also closely watching the developments in the Jewish nation, particularly as relations between the two countries have significantly improved in the last 15 years. This has reflected in the relations and on-stage chemistry of Netanyahu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

However, whether Netanyahu wins or loses would likely have little to no impact on India-Israel relations, as the two countries, even during the two leaders' tenure, have expanded beyond their bonhomie. In fact, the personal terms have only augmented the strength of the bilateral relations.

India and Israel formally established their full diplomatic relations in 1992. The relationship soon expanded to a defence partnership. Israeli drones (Searcher and Heron), their radar systems played a key role in the 1999 war. The Kargil war is considered to have cemented the defence supply chain between the two countries.

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Defence: Over the past years, India-Israel defence partnership has expanded, making New Delhi the biggest market for Israeli military hardware. Israel exports 34 to 42 per cent of its arms to India.

The crucial nature of air warfare has led to many agreements, including Barak 8 air defence, Spike anti-tank guided missile and Starliner drones.

Trade, economic and agriculture: India-Israel bilateral trade has shot up to $3.93 billion, and both sides are exploring a Free Trade Agreement to streamline customs and tech exchange.

Israeli assistance in India's agricultural sector remains the cornerstone of the relation as it involves a people-centric approach. Setting up numerous Centres of Excellence across states to transform drip irrigation, water recycling, and crop yields is crucial in our agriculture-dependent nation.

Counter terrorism: Israel has been the most unwavering supporter of India on the issue of terrorism and Pakistan, providing backing during the 1971 war before formal relations were established. Being affected by terrorism itself, Israel has remained aligned with India's call for zero tolerance for terrorism.

Long before the public support for Operation Sindoor and condemnation of the Pahalgam terror attack under the Modi regime, Tel Aviv had extended full support to India in the Mumbai 26/11 aftermath.

Besides, the coordination between the intelligence agencies predates 1992, when the relations were formalised. RAW is reported to have worked closely and quietly with Mossad from the times of Indira Gandhi.

Emerging Tech: Partnership of New Delhi and Tel Aviv has transcended from defence and trade to include emerging technologies in recent years. Speaking to PTI, Israeli author and political analyst Alec Pollard said the relations would continue to thrive. "Whoever wins the election, Israel and India will continue to be good friends and to be close," Pollard said.

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The two countries have signed agreements related to cybersecurity, semiconductors, quantum computing and biotechnology among others.

Eisenko's view of India: Principal opponent of Netanyahu, Gadi Eisenko is the former military chief who has identified India as a key partner in reducing Israel's dependence on the United States, while also emphasising his intent to rebuild ties with traditional Western partners.

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